Mayor Ryan Bingham named Purcell "Lord Mayor" for the day, an annual honor given to a city resident who has contributed to the city and its Irish heritage.

"I am very happy that Mr. Purcell will be serving a day as Mayor because he has dedicated much of his life to Torrington, said Bingham. "I hope that many residents will stop by to honor "Lord Mayor Purcell" as he celebrates his special day."

The flag-raising ceremony will take place at 10 a.m., followed by a performance by the McCardle Irish step dancers. Light refreshments will be served.

According to the press release sent out by the Mayor's office, Purcell worked in interior design after moving to Torrington in the late 1940s after World War II. He lived at the Yankee Peddler until he secured housing and went on to become an instructor for LARC. He eventually worked for the state Department of Developmental Services, retiring in 1997 after holding various positions in the organization.

"It's an honor to be named Lord Mayor," said Purcell, who recently announced his retirement from the top post at FISH. "I'm tickled pink by this. My family is pretty excited. It comes at a good time, I'm trying to enjoy my retirement."

But Purcell, who will be working at FISH for the next two or three weeks helping make the transition to new CEO Deirdre DiCara go as smoothly as possible, said he has already received many calls from people looking for help with other projects.

"It's not a good idea to have too many friends," Purcell joked. "They find stuff for you to do."

Purcell said he is "delighted" with the choice of DiCara. "For the past few years I poured my heart and soul into (FISH)," he said. "It's nice to know it wasn't for nought."

Purcell said his family history is an interesting one. Originally, all the Purcells were Irish Catholic. But after the reformation, one branch of the family stuck with the Church of England, while others returned to Ireland, and some to Scotland. Purcell said his ancestors eventually came from Ireland to Nova Scotia and then to Boston. His father worked as a vice president with the Torrington Company, the first person of Irish ancestry to reach that high in what was predominantly and English company.

The "Lord Mayor" said he is proud to represent the Irish.

"The Irish had an important role in building America," Purcell said. "Years ago there was even a category of the Department of Labor labeled 'Irish Labor.' They were a group of people who would work for a little less, but were dependable."

Purcell and his wife, Lucille, will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year. The Purcells have two children, Celeste and Kevin, and two granddaughters.